The adventures of Mommy woman

Last night was a very politically poignant night in my opinion.  President Bush had his chance to make the speech of his life and in my opinion, he did.  He was relaxed, well spoken, emotional, open about all the issues and, above all to me, seemed like a real, genuine person.  Then, at the After Hours show for MSNBC, Janeane Garofalo, comedienne turned actress turned "political commentator" chimes in and spews forth her wacked out (IMO) view that it was all just a scam and she just "feels" she's being lied to.

Janeane really didn't get my attention at first (other than for a little chuckle) because she said exactly the sort of things I expected from her and her Air America buddy.  Then she commented on something that just got me infuriated.  She was saying that the language being used by the Republicans was misleading.  I didn't see it but gave her a fair listen...that lasted until she said (not a direct quote because it was about 2AM and I don't remember verbatum) "There is no such thing as partial birth abortion.  It is dilation and extraction.  Calling it Partial birth abortion is like calling an appendectomy an organ ripping."  Wow!  What a load of crap!  If anyone is trying to use misleading language it would be Ms. Garofalo.  Technically, you could call child birth "dilation and extraction".  Since Ms. Garofalo has never experienced child birth, I will ask this, how does she think the "dilation" occurs?  I'll tell you, labor!  Partial birth abortion is exactly that, the woman is induced, the fetus is brought to the point of birth, oh sorry Ms. Garofalo "extraction", then it is killed or terminated or whatever other term you want to use for ending that fetuses possibility for living.

Let me be clear, I am not a person who feels there could never be a need for such a procedure.  I am well aware that there are horrible defects that can't be detected until late in a pregnancy.  The procedure was developed originally because of hydrocephalus, a condition that causes fluid to build in the fetuses brain.  In such a case, the woman could not deliver the fetus vaginally and the D&X or Dilation & Extraction or Partial Birth Abortion saves the woman from the dangers she would incur with a C-section.

I see Partial Birth Abortion as a very accurate term.  The woman is induced (dilated), the fetus is brought out (birthed or extracted) usually feet first, then the brain is sucked out to collapse the fetal skull which allows an easier delivery.  You can argue that it isn't "abortion" if the fetus isn't viable.  I would agree with that asessment.  However, to my knowledge, there are no records available showing the causes for this procedure.  If it has ever been used to "extract" a viable fetus, it is Partial Birth Abortion.  My money says that it has and therefore, I don't see how anyone can dismiss the term.

I have brought two lives into this world via natural childbirth.  I have also had two miscarriages.  I was very upset the first time I miscarried and had to have a D&C.  My paperwork said "incomplete abortion".  I wanted that baby so the word "abortion" struck me with pain but the truth was, that was what was happening to my body.  My body was trying to abort the fetus because something was wrong.  Sometimes the reality is painful to hear but you have to call it out truthfully.  I do however, find it odd that doctors would call my situation an incomplete abortion but argue that the D&X procedure can't be called "abortion" because it involves a fetus that is not viable.  I tend to think that mine couldn't have ever been viable if my body ejected them.  Mine also occurred by the beginning of the fourth month.

Ms. Garofalo, who are you kidding now?  You really should have stuck to comedy and acting. 


Comments (Page 2)
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on Sep 04, 2004

I find it funny when celebrities complain about the reaction to their political talk, as if they should have the right to say whatever they want without any consequences, even though nobody in the entire universe can expect to say whatever's on their mind without some response, which isn't always positive.

on Sep 04, 2004
The issue is access to a mass media podium, which is not easy to come by, being considered their prerogative and handed to them on a silver platter by our celebrity-based media machine. There is no inherent political, social or economic wisdom borne of acting that entitles them to such access, any more than what I do for a living entitles me to it. But they get the microphone, and they don't appreciate the privilege and its significance.
Very eloquently put!  Exactly what is under my skin about this sort of thing.
on Sep 04, 2004
There's a hollywood "elite right" too.


Eswiv.....

Two sticky points on that....one is that the hollywood celeb right is low key when you compare it to the left.....partly because of the treatment many have gotten at industry parties and the like......another is that the Hollywood left far outnumbers the right by large numbers...although there are some of the industries biggest names in the right....tom cruise, bruce willis to name a few....

As to Garofalo...didnt she become "involved" in politics after rehab? well its nice to see her find something to keep herself busy as her other career was pathetic anyway
on Sep 04, 2004
As for the Hollywood "elite right", you may want to check out a few interviews with Patricia Richardson (from "Everybody Loves Raymond"). She has had an uphill struggle holding right wing views and being part of the Hollywood crowd. And I'd venture to guess she's better informed about the political climate in Hollywood than you OR I.
on Sep 06, 2004
I don't understand how MSNBC thinks that having an acrtress analyze a political event is a service to their viewers. I rarely pay attention to entertainers when they comment on areas outside their career.
on Sep 06, 2004

Reply By: zorvenPosted: Monday, September 06, 2004
I don't understand how MSNBC thinks that having an acrtress analyze a political event is a service to their viewers
I can't see the value of Ron Reagan either.  You have Joe Scarborough who served in congress and who do they have as his counter-part?....Ron Reagan whose claim to fame is having had a dad who was president.  I don't get it.
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